Mr Ian w. Smith M.Sc. (Chem. Eng.) is a research chemical engineer of outstanding achievement in the field of energy conversion. His contributions to knowledge of pulverized-fuel combustion - the world's largest source of electric power - constitute a major advance and are regarded as standard internationally. He is frequently invited to lecture or for consultation by leading research institutions world-wide. From 1974 to 1985 he proposed and developed to semi-pilot plant level an original, comprehensive and technically successful process for converting Australian coal to liquid fuel. He is the author or co-author of about seventy published papers and reviews, several of which are widely quoted as authoritative.
Mr Smith currently holds the positions of Assistant Chief and leader of the Combustion Group of the CSIR0 Division of Coal Technology. In the latter capacity he directs Australia's largest facility engaged in combustion research for the nation's power and metallurgical industries.